An exhaustive and authoritative investigation into the Christadelphians with links from their own sources as well as insights from former members. Complete examination of their history, organisation, theology, practices, and the challenges they face.

Homosexuality

The Stance of the Community

Christadelphians (like most Christian groups) believe active homosexuality is a
sin and hold that this is what the Bible teaches. The Bible itself actually
devotes little attention to the topic and there are only a few relevant verses.
In fact, it is only in recent years that anything has been written on this topic
by the community, mostly in response to trends in mainstream society. Historically,
though, it was presented as a choice resulting from a sinful nature (like other
sins) and a departure from normality. The homosexual movement and “gay
rights” is therefore seen as a movement that seeks to legitimise “the
lusts of the flesh” and is also perceived as destructive to the Christian
concept of the family.

Many gays and lesbians today suggest they have no choice in what sexual preferences
they follow. Rather than defending it as a life choice, it is suggested by
many that it is a natural orientation with a genetic basis. Some Christadelphians
would accept at least some genetic predispositions, but would suggest that people
have predispositions to other sins also. They would lay weight to the importance
of resisting natural sinful tendencies. In other words if it is true that
someone is gay by nature they are required to wrestle with that and live a celibate
lifestyle. Christadelphians would stress that they do not hate homosexuals,
only the behaviour itself, although anyone actively homosexual or promoting that
would be disfellowshipped.

There are few resources within the Christadelphian community for those admitting
homosexuality. Ultimately strength would be expected to result from reading
the Bible, prayer and through exercising the will.

The Challenge for Christadelphians

The issue of homosexuality is rising in importance for the community because of
changes in attitude throughout the Western world towards it in the last fifty years.
It was only decriminalised in Britain for instance in 1967. It is therefore
understandable why the gay community is active in promoting “gay rights.”
The growing acceptance of homosexuality means the legal situation in society has
significantly altered. Discrimination is no longer legal at work or in the
provision of services and in schools homosexuality is often taught as a valid form
of human expression.

This is increasingly challenging to Christians of all persuasions, including Christadelphians,
because it puts them in positions where they are required to agree in order to hold
down work. For instance many workers are required to agree with equality objectives.
That means for instance a teacher is not allowed the personal liberty of conscience
to reveal their personal belief it is sin. It means a hotelier cannot prevent
homosexuals sharing a bed together.

A few Christadelphian have lost work as a result of this changing environment.
For instance one marriage registrar was expected to conduct civil unions and resigned
rather than do so. It also makes other areas of work less tenable for those
who conscientiously seek to not be morally compromised.

Increasingly to preach that homosexuality is a sin (as Christadelphians believe
they should) doesn’t happen, because it requires more boldness and a greater
risk to work and job. In addition it carries the legal risk that such talk
is “hate speech.” Few in all honestly seek to outlaw private expression,
but many fear that the “gay agenda” suppresses their own liberties and
religious freedoms.

These difficulties are likely to increase, because acceptance of homosexuality is
leading to calls for further changes. Gay rights promoters usually ally themselves
to an LGBT agenda (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender). This has already
led to the civil recognition of gay partnerships and is leading towards a redefinition
of marriage to include gay couples. It also now includes the adoption of children
by gay couples.